Reinforcing the Profession's Message: Major Firms Group Members Visit Washington Policymakers

Published September 08, 2011

As one part of the AICPA’s grassroots advocacy efforts, representatives from three firms met with Administration officials and a Member of Congress in June. Ken Baggett of The Reznick Group, Bill Hancock of Mayer Hoffman McCann, and Leroy Dennis of McGladrey Pullen met with Representative Scott Garrett, a New Jersey Republican, with Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, and with various Treasury staff to share their insights about business issues facing clients and employers.

“It’s always worthwhile to spend time with legislators, whether it’s in DC or at home,” said Baggett. “We were able to stress the economic importance of small and medium sized businesses, and the issues that our clients are facing, during our meetings.”

“In our firms, we see the effects of economic, legislative and regulatory policy every day as we advise our clients and as we run our firms. It’s critical that the people who make those policies hear from the people they affect,” Hancock said.

The visits followed the AICPA’s governing Council and key person visits to Capitol Hill in May, and were scheduled to reinforce many of the messages that AICPA leaders took to the Hill. “A steady stream of information – and visits – about the accounting profession is important to maintain with leaders in Washington,” said Dennis. “CPAs have tremendous insight on business and professional issues, so it’s important to keep reaching out to them.”